* All Epixor Reels specifications from the official Okuma catalog. Okuma reserves the right to make changes without obligation.

Fishermen's opinions about Okuma Epixor

Okuma Epixor

Okuma Epixor EF 65A

2013-03-10T12:27:09

3/10/2013 12:27:09 PM
5 out of 5 stars

I have kayak fished with this reel for 3 tarpon seasons counting this year and caught some tarpon that would scare ya! Other than the handle, It has worked perfectly. This includes the drag system which is crucial when fishing for big fish from a kayak. I might add, it has taken more than its share of saltwater baths. The brass shaft that holds the plastic tee handle broke on me last week but Okuma sent a free replacement, no question asked, I just had to pay $3.00 shipping.

If you are looking for a reel in this class, I would highly recommend it. I don't think you can find a better reel for the money.

One more point to consider. I love quality equipment as much as the next guy but when fishing from a kayak there is always the chance that anything you bring aboard could end up on the bottom of the sea! Do you really want to spend $150+ for a reel that you might never see again?

Reviewed by: Larry S.

Okuma Epixor

Okuma Epixor 25

2013-02-16T12:25:53

2/16/2013 12:25:53 PM
5 out of 5 stars

Very good reel. I have been inshore saltwater fishing for many years and have used many different spinning reels at all different price levels. This reel is perfect for throwing plastics and lures for speckled sea trout.

Best bang for the buck!

Reviewed by: A. A. Himes (NC, USA)

Okuma Epixor

Okuma Expitor EF 25b

2013-02-02T12:25:05

2/2/2013 12:25:05 PM
3 out of 5 stars

Even at this price point, it's disappointing.

It's quite stiff. It takes more effort to retrieve than any ball bearing reel should require. Spinning the handle and letting it go, the handle will make one more turn, at most, before it stops. That's not a basis for judging quality, but it should move more freely and feel more active. Even with light lures, this reel will wear you down.

It feels a bit unfinished. The knob is attached too loosely and rattles around a bit (we're not talking baby rattle rattling, but it does make a rattling noise when jiggled).

It's possible to open the bail without engaging the lock. Get it to maybe 90% - maybe a bit more - and the bail will stay in that position until it snaps closed in mid-cast. I don't think I've ever used a reel that could stay open but not be locked open, and I haven't been able to tune this out.

The bail can be difficult to close when retrieving. In certain positions, turning the handle won't close the bail unless you back reel a bit and try again. No amount of forward reeling force will close the bail until you back reel - then it closes easily.

THE GRAIN OF SALT:

The reel is new. I've made roughly 200 casts with it. Maybe the mechanics will loosen up as I keep using it, but at this point, I'm not feeling any change or improvement - and 200 casts should be enough to begin working-out the stiffness - especially in the bail mechanism.

On the plus side, it's smooth and quiet - there's very little gear noise, even under load; and no noticeable noise coming from the roller bearing. The gears feel smooth and clean - albeit, stiff. There's nothing herky-jerky in the retrieve, even under heavy load.

The drag system is smooth and small adjustments are quite accurate.

Despite the occasionally strange behavior of the bail, it always closes quickly, completely and precisely, even against resistance and a tight line.

You're not going to lose a fish because of some basic deficiency in these reels.

It's surprisingly light for a die-cast aluminum reel.

I don't expect something at a budget-price to perform as if it were premium- or exhorbitantly-priced. I've never owned (or used) a top-of-the-line fishing reel and the Expitor 25 is in the top third of my price range for a small fishing reel. I'm comparing this to my experience with other small reels purchased at about the same or lower price.

It's a disappointment. It should retrieve more freely. The knob-and-handle should not rattle (even a little bit). The bail should only stay open when it's locked open for casting and it should always close when I turn the handle.

Three stars is all it deserves.

Reviewed by: Tinker (bellflower ca.)

Okuma Epixor

Out performs reels twice as expensive

2012-12-24T14:51:36

12/24/2012 2:51:36 PM
5 out of 5 stars

This is the second Okuma reel I've purchased, last was the Avenger series, I wont buy any another reel again. I'm new to kayak fishing and accidentally put this reel underwater more than 10 times the first day (whoops), left it out in the rain (whoops), and haven't oiled/cleaned it yet (I'll get to it). Still runs perfect, no squeeks, no grittiness, lays line like a champ. If you want unheard of reliability, even with the upmost disregard for care or maintenance, this will perform. Imagine if you took care of it!

Reviewed by: Timmy (Holland, MI)

Using the 5 star rating system how would you recommend the Okuma Epixor Reel?